Missing Aircraft Found

The Delaikoro mountain range where Police have seen what is the possible crash site of the Cessna 172. Picture: Google Maps

Update: 12:53PM POLICE have confirmed sighting the crash site of the Pacific Flying School Cessna 172 missing since Monday.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed this past hour what looks like aircraft wreckage on Delaikoro, a mountain range between Cakaudrove and Macuata which expert aviators describe as hazardous.

ADCP Tudravu said there was no information yet on the fate of the two pilots on the aircraft.

PFS trainee pilot, Merelesita Lutu and instructor Iliesa Tawalo had left Nadi airport at 7.30am on Monday morning with another trainee pilot Kalara Derederenalagi who got off at Labasa.

Both Ms Lutu and Mr Tawalo were on their way to Savusavu but made their way back to Labasa when they could not land.

The two lost contact with air traffic control after midday on Monday.

Search teams made up of the Police, Maritime Surveillance the military and the traditional resource owners of villages on the border of Macuata and Cakaudrove have been scouring the mountainous area since Monday afternoon.

ADCP Tudravu said the divisional Police commander North has been directed to inform the family of the latest developments.